quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential Often referred to as the nation's quintessential bellwether state, Minas Gerais has historically been viewed as an important indicator of national election results. — David Unsworth , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 As preppy bully and Steff’s girlfriend Benny, Kate Vernon plays a quintessential high school mean girl. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026 Hot flashes and disrupted sleep are among the most quintessential symptoms of menopause. — Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 The singer’s dress hailed from the Australian brand’s spring 2026 bridal collection, and merged that quintessential bridal feel with red-carpet-ready elements. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • The One-All has retro looks too, with a whiff of classic speedboat mixed with a dose of sixties wind-in-the hair roadster.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Luckily, some of the season’s best new trends and classic styles are on sale right now on Amazon.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Miles away from his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, 18-year-old Cassius Clay (an exemplary Jaalen Best) and his Olympic teammates explore the coliseum.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
  • There is every reason for Washington to treat the Nordic states as exemplary allies and endorse their advancements in regional cooperation.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • Vella and DeTore already achieved perfect synthesis of psychedelia and death-doom on Song of Salvation.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The combination just has that perfect high-low mix of sophistication and relaxed elegance.
    — Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Many of my eight women were not archetypal heroines, and this book certainly does not aim to be a hagiography.
    — Natalie Livingstone, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • For Corn, this misunderstanding is key to the painting’s success, allowing for endless adaptation of the archetypal form of two figures joined in union.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • After the final loss to Atlanta, none of the Liberty’s three star players — Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones — offered a definitive vote of confidence of DeMarco.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Her proposal calls for abolishing multiple government agencies that are critical to safeguarding our national security without providing definitive alternatives that would ensure their missions continue.
    — Daniel Delgado, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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